Diné Painting titled “The Blue Stallion” by Quincy Tahoma [SOLD]

Navajo artist Quincy Tahoma soared to fame as an artist during his early school years. Since his painting style is very desirable and he had a very short career his paintings are quite collectible.   In the mid-1940s his life took a drastic turn for the worse.  He was still a phenomenal artist and was recognized as such, but he was finding it hard to fit into society.  He had not lived on the Navajo Reservation since early childhood, having lived with friends in Scottsdale and Santa Fe most of his adult life.  He was a wanderer who could not seem to settle into a home.  He often visited friends in Taos, San Juan and San Ildefonso Pueblos and sometimes would extend his visits for weeks.  He seemed to be searching for a place to belong.  Unfortunately, he passed away in 1956 at the age of 39.  His loss was the Indian art community’s loss as he was an amazing artist who had only begun to be recognized for his immense talent.

This painting of a stallion was completed in 1956, the year that Quincy Tahoma (1917-1956) Water Edge - Near Water passed away.  It is clear evidence of his natural artistic talent.  The horse is muscular and majestic, much like the warriors he frequently painted.  As a Diné of the Navajo Nation, Tahoma was very familiar with and had great respect for horses.  That knowledge and respect are evident in this work, as the horse was created with great care.

The mountains in the background and the cliff upon which the horse stands are themselves quite beautiful.  The standard earth tones are augmented with warm pinks and cool greens, adding to the beauty of the horse's surroundings.

The painting is signed on verso “The Blue Stallion By Tahoma of Santa Fe. With Best Wishes,” in the artist’s cursive writing.

Condition: this Diné Painting titled "The Blue Stallion" by Quincy Tahoma is in very good condition with only some faint discoloration to the cream background color.

Provenance: from the estate of a family who owned a business in Santa Fe that was frequented by Tahoma.  It is presumed that it was a gift from Tahoma to the family as it is signed on verso “With Best Wishes.”

Recommended Reading: Quincy Tahoma, The Life and Legacy of a Navajo Artist by Charnell Havens and Vera Marie Badertscher

Realtive Links: Quincy Tahoma, Navajo Reservation, Taos, San Juan, San Ildefonso, Painting